Parenting Boys in Today’s Culture: Eight Essentials for Moms | Molly DeFrank (Episode 308)
Boyhood today looks very different than it did a generation ago, and many moms are wondering how to raise sons who thrive in a culture that often works against them. In this conversation with Molly, we talk about why so many boys are struggling and how we as moms can ground them in faith, family, and belonging. We dive into practical ways to recognize your son’s unique wiring, reframe weaknesses as strengths, and guide him through big emotions, school struggles, and everyday responsibilities. From the resilience built around the family dinner table to the importance of one-on-one connection and real-life community, you’ll hear encouragement and tools for nurturing boys in the formative years so they can grow into men of strength, character, and purpose!
In this episode, we cover:
- Why boys today are struggling and how culture shapes their sense of identity
- Biblical principles that guide us as moms raising sons
- Recognizing the unique wiring of each boy and learning to reframe weaknesses as strengths
- The importance of belonging, worldview, and family connection
- Family meals as a simple but powerful practice for building resilience in kids
- Eight key areas to nurture in your son during the formative years
- Creative ways to weave one-on-one connection into ordinary family life
- Guiding boys through anger and big emotions
- Encouraging motivation and building focus for schoolwork without constant battles
- Teaching boys to notice messes, take initiative, and follow through on responsibilities
- Understanding what’s “normal” chaos in a boy-filled home and how to balance it with structure
- Why real-life community is vital for moms raising boys, and how it brings encouragement and perspective
About Molly
Molly DeFrank is mom to three boys and three girls, ages eight to fifteen. She spends most of her time telling them to put on their shoes. Her motherhood travails have been featured nationally and internationally by CBS, Parents Magazine, Fox News, Good Morning America, The Daily Mail, The Sun, and Yahoo Lifestyle and podcasts like 1000 Hours Outside, Mama Bear Apologetics and more. Prior to having children, she wrote for former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Resources Mentioned
Mothering Boys: 8 Things Your Son Needs from You before He Turns 10 by Molly DeFrank
Check out Molly DeFrank’s previous episode on the podcast
Listen to RuthAnn Zimmerman’s recent episode on the podcast
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Connect
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